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Poster for Hidden Agenda

Hidden Agenda

Seen it?

1990 | 108 min | Drama, Thriller

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (85% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved All the President's Men or Relay, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Tense.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 48 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: expect violence.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

In Ireland, American lawyer Ingrid Jessner and her activist partner, Paul Sullivan, struggle to uncover atrocities committed by the British government against the Northern Irish during the "Troubles." But when Sullivan is assassinated in the streets, Jessner teams up with Peter Kerrigan, a British investigator acting against the will of his own government, and struggles to uncover a conspiracy that may even implicate one of Kerrigan's colleagues.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    85% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $1 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 28K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Ken Loach

  • Frances McDormandIngrid Jessner
  • Brian CoxPeter Kerrigan
  • Brad DourifPaul Sullivan
  • Mai ZetterlingMoa
  • Bernard ArchardSir Robert Neil
  • Michelle FairleyTeresa Doyle
  • Maurice RoëvesHarris
  • Jim NortonBrodie
  • John BenfieldMaxwell
  • Bernard BlochHenri